Colorado's Beer Distribution Industry Recognizes Economic Impact of Its Workforce This Labor Day

ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - September 01, 2015) - As Americans prepare to celebrate Labor Day, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and Colorado's independent beer distributors are recognizing the men and women of the beer distribution industry whose work positively impacts the national and state economies.

NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser said, "From truck drivers to fork lift operators and from sales representative to graphic artists, America's beer distribution employees work day in and day out to make this the best beer market in the world for everyone.

"With more than 3,700 breweries in operation across the United States today, independent distributors are delivering more beer varieties and brands to the marketplace than ever before," Purser added. "Because of distribution employees who drive the beer trucks in local communities, fill the beer coolers at corner stores and deliver new tap handles to neighborhood pubs, consumers can choose from an unparalleled variety of beer -- from familiar domestic brands to intriguing imports and exciting new products from local and small craft brewers. That's something we can all celebrate!"

The Beer Serves America economic impact study released this summer shows that the beer industry -- made up of brewers, beer importers, beer distributors and beer retailers -- contributes more than $10 billion annually to Colorado's economy.

Jointly commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Beer Institute, the study shows that Colorado's independent distributors alone generate more than 2,000 local jobs in Colorado -- accounting for more than $141 million in wages and benefits and $297 million in economic output.

Across the country, there are more than 130,000 distributor jobs, according to the study. The American beer industry as a whole generates nearly $253 billion in economic activity, produces $48.5 billion in tax revenue and supports 1.75 million jobs.

Purser added, "Independent beer distributors provide significant economic benefits in their communities through local business-to-business commerce; investments in local infrastructure and capital assets; and tax revenue. Beer distributors provide services that help brewers of all sizes grow; improve efficiency for trading partners, especially small brewers and retailers; and ensure consumers have a broad selection of products to enjoy."

The Beer Serves America study was compiled by an independent economics firm, John Dunham & Associates. It is the most comprehensive analysis of the industry available, using data collected directly from private companies, Dun & Bradstreet, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association(NBWA) represents the interests of America's 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America's beer distributors, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com. For additional updates from NBWA, follow @NBWABeer on Twitter, watch NBWA videos on www.youtube.com/NBWABeer and visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/NBWABeer/.